Okay, Karl, Just This Once

by Erin on February 16, 2010

Aside from the belt, the fringe, the shoes-slash-lucite-hooves, and the expression on the model's face (which can only be described as "I am smelling something bad while thinking about completing my overdue tax return"), this is one lovely dress. The neckline, the midriff band, the fantastic fabric which I can almost *touch* through the computer screen …

And it's by that certified wackaloon, Lagerfeld (for Fendi)! I swear, I love to read about Lagerfeld. If there were a Lagerfeld News Weekly I would be a charter subscriber. Nothing about him surprises me. Bathes in a mixture of V8 and ball bearings? That's for amateurs. Can't sleep unless a minion is doing wheelies on a dirt bike up and down the parqueted hall? Pffft. Hardly even eccentric. He's been hired to decorate a secret lair on Skullcrusher Mountain, take pictures of the process for a coffee-table book, and compose a chamber-music piece for an oboe sextet for the grand opening? Please, the man does that every third Tuesday. Lagerfeld would have to build an army of robot kittens that breathe fire and knit alpaca socks before I would even raise an eyebrow.

And yet it still surprises me when I like something he's designed! You go, Karl. Love ya, baby. Don't ever change.

I agree, Wolly Mammoth, that is an awkward length. Of course, this is Karl, and he probably doesnt want to hear from ordinary folks (I think he probably calls us creatures or land dwellers or something) about how its impossible to find a jacket whose proportions work with this, or about it makes us look a bit like a nun.I actually like the belt and the fringing, though.

LOL! Priceless post! I watched documentaries about Karl and Chanel all weekend. I think they need to start a Lagerfeld channel on TV – 24/7 of Karl being Karl. Id sure as hell watch!And yes, the dress is absolutely stunning! I wouldnt change a thing.

You know, the thing about Fendi is… I never want to like Fendi, but I frequently find that I do. Theyre obviously doing something right (perhaps despit Karl the Wack Master… er… hmm… Wack Master is perhaps an unfortunate turn of phrase…)

Great post! I actually like the belt, but I would want the dress to be shorter and loose the trim. About Lagerfeld, well, I know lots of craft bloggers love to hate him and, love or hate, its always a treat to read stories about him. However, lets not forget that this is also the man responsible for keeping Lesage (the embroidery house) and other one-of-a-kind couture workshops in business. Lots of craft and skill which would otherwise have been lost forever.

Great post. I watched the documentary Valentino this weekend. At one point, at Vs big celebration with the entire couture world in attendance, the audio caught Karl whispering to Valentino, Compared to us, the rest of them make rags! True of Valentino, but I dont believe that Karl is worthy to shine his shoes!

A Jonathan Coulton reference! Fantastic! I missed my chance to see him perform live because I didnt buy a ticket soon enough. Darn!And that is a lovely dress.I wonder what kind of outfit Lagerfield would put on the half-monkey, half-pony monster?

Ill be so sad when you have to stop writing this blog because youre busy doing commentary for Fashion Week, Red Carpet events, busy, busy, et al. It is a perfectly delectable dress, maybe not the fringe, but, yum.

Im sure Uncle Karl would find me quite demode, but its on my life list to attend one of the chanel couture grande atelier shows he masterminds. Did you see that article on him a few years ago now where in the middle, nonchalantly, a manservant brings him a protein drink because he doesnt really eat food? LOVE HIM.

Im with you on all accounts. With the exceptions you mentioned, this dress looks like it was made just for me–well the me 15 years ago, not the current me who could not do that beautiful midriff band justice. And I love the length, love having something swirling around my legs, very feminine.

Isnt this really a rather typical 80s dress, minus the shoulder pads?There are many sewing patterns like this with a midriff panel (if you can see past the shoulder pads), or buy one ready made, 80s vintage.

Its like you are in my BRAIN! I feel exactly the same way about dear old Karl. Why do I have so much time for Galliano and so little for Karl? They are both certifiable, but clearly Galliano has made a handy deal with the devil, enabling him to turn out delectable collection after delectable collection. Like you, I am astonished if Uncle Karl makes even one thing a season that appeals to me.For me, in this shot, its the shoes. Love me a hoof-like lucite ankle-wrap sandal!

I love Karl, even though he often spews forth supremely offensive comments. And while he doesnt bring me joy the way Galliano does, I still think he is one of the best out there. His Chanel collections usually have several frocks that rock my world.Thanks for the funny post.

So years ago, like 1977 Lagerfeld was a young designer at Chloe and my mother made me a fab dress (Vogue pattern/Chloe) which is so reminscent of this dress I was a little choked up. I loved that dress and had I given it thought would have saved the pattern.

Wow! you hit it right on the head….why do those models…male and female…always look as thought they had been sucking lemons or smelling something not quite right…or the worst when they look one step from suicide. I do love that dress, tho.